The Final Countdown

Today was a fantastic day. This time next week, I will have said goodbye to my family and friends (who have affectionately been nicknamed the “cotton crew”). I will have hiked my miles for the day, enjoyed dinner, and will hopefully be dozing off for my first nights sleep on the trail. Time flies by! The excitement is building, and the waves of anxiety are decreasing. My first resupply box was mailed today. I will meet up with it in 10 days at my first resupply stop.

My to do list is dwindling, and the majority of my remaining time will be spent in social interactions. My dance card has filled up, and everyone wants to say bon voyage and get their final dose of James for the next 6 months. It’s a bitter-sweet experience.

Today, we went up to see our very good friends Tony and Molli. I have written about them previously and it’s always fantastic to catch up with them. I will say it again, without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. We drove up early afternoon to spend the afternoon and evening with them. They were a buzz with my upcoming adventure. They also taught me a set of simple and fantastic exercises on the trail to alleviate many of the nagging pains I will likely encounter.

They also informed us of a journey they are going to embark on in the next few months. They are planning to hike the Camino De Santiago in France and Spain! I am SOOOOO happy for them. The Camino has been on my list ever since I saw ” The Way” with Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez. Starting in early June, they plan to spend 30 to 35 days covering the roughly 500 miles of the trail. WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! I cant wait to hear all about it!

While the PCT is a rustic, wilderness experience. The Camino is a pilgrimage used by those of faith to hike to the shrine of the apostle St James the Great. People from all walks of life do the hike for a variety of reasons. The route takes pilgrims through many towns and villages. The end of each day is generally met with a warm meal and a night in a hostel. A vastly different experience from the PCT, but rewarding in differing ways.

I wish them the godspeed and safe travels on their journey.

For all the months of preparing, planning, and as my husband says, showing my inner Monica from Friends, my own pilgrimage is about to begin. One with many challenges, cold nights, and aches and pains. I have often questioned my sanity. But I’m excited to get underway.

I am thankful for all of you who have taken the time to read my thoughts, and provide a quick note of encouragement. In the coming weeks and months I hope to provide an account of my thoughts, emotions, hardships and challenges to provide you with a glimpse of what trail life is like. I welcome the feedback, comments and critiques. I do notice, and I appreciate it. I hope I can continue to entertain and carry you along with me.

James, never question your sanity. It is your sanity that will guide you through this life-changing journey. You will become a changed man at the end of this journey. You have undertaken something that many will only dream of but never have the desire to take that first step I actually doing so. You continue to inspire me….to look at my own life and see where I can expand my horizons and my own comfort zones. My only regret is that I wish I could be there to see you off on your great adventure, but please know that I will be there in spirit. Every entry you have made about your journey brings tears —–tears of sadness but mostly tears of joy that I was taught a young mind who has the inner strength to think beyond his own personal box and that pleases me more than you will ever know. I so proud of you, James. So proud. Que catastrophe con Dios.

James! This is going to be the adventure of a lifetime. Good luck, be safe and savor every moment. You’ll move right along and within a blink you’ll be standing at Manning Park. You got this brother! I’ll be following along and thinking of you. Your trail name awaits! Kill it James! – Kyle

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your inner circle last night. I wish I was going with everyone this morning to see you off. You’ll be in our thoughts daily. Watch your step and enjoy where your journey takes you. It’s going to be life changing. M